1. Stages of Addiction

2. Jellinek (1937) • “progressive” nature  • Pre-addiction phase = no longer a “social activity” 2. Addiction = no longer has control 3. Chronic alcoholism = physical dependence

3. The Addiction Process W.H.O. (1957) • Four main stages: • CONTACT = first experience pleasurable • EXPERIMENTAL = excessive use occurs in social context • EXCESSIVE USE = damage or risk of damage • ADDICTION = dependence occurs, functioning severely impaired

4. ARF 4 stages • Learning = new found feeling of goodness • Seek and find = mental obsession occurs • Substance abuse = compulsion, loss • The final stage = rock bottom  choice to quit or keep using determines if addict will survive their addiction

5. Nakken’s Stage of Addiction • “addictive personality” acts much like Freud’s id • “Natural cycles of life” = lapsing and uncontrollable moments of peace, happiness, fulfillment • Addiction is an attempt to control natural cycles • Emotional logic: “I want what I want and I want it now”

6. Stage 1: Internal Change • First contact is intense, unlike anything else • Illusion of control/comfort/confidence • Do not know how to have healthy relationships • Emotional isolation leads addict to turn to object/event rather than friends/family • Most important aspect if creation of Addictive Personality (id over ego)  personality split b/w Self and Addict

7. Stage 1 cont’d • Early experiences with family has taught them: • Distance themselves from others • Treat others like “objects” • Closeness is not a reality/option • Nurturance through avoidance • crystallizes the ‘addictive logic’  a toxic system of beliefs

8. Self-statements of Addict: • “I don’t really need people” • “I don’t have to face anything I don’t want to” • “I’m afraid to face life and my problems” • “Objects/events are more important than people” • “I can do anything I want, no matter whom it hurts”

9. Addiction starts to create pain = need to continue Uneasiness and shame re: loss of self-control/esteem/love etc. heightens A negative downward spiral: Emotional craving  mental preoccupations  acting out  pain  acting out  more pain

10. Addictive logic further enhanced: Develops rationalizations  i.e. I’m not hurting anyone Manipulative tactics  i.e. minimizing concerns Addiction as a process of denial Acting out creates fun, excitement, new ideas, and stimulation

11. Stage 2: Lifestyle Change • Fun of acting out starts to vanish • Takes on a maintenance quality  dependency develops • Behavioural commitment is all-encompassing • Arrange life around addiction: • Starts to lie excessively • Blames others • Protects behaviour any way possible

12. Addictive rituals develop  prescribed and predictable behaviour Surround self with other addicts Mistrust of others grow “addict” becomes a role within the family Addiction takes more of person’s focus and energy  further erodes ability to be “normal” “spiritual deadening”

13. Stage 3: Life Breakdown • No longer produces pleasure, but too painful to quit • Pain, fear, shame, anger, etc. are hallmarks of life • Security in routine  resist the unfamiliar • Lifestyle based entirely on addictive ritual • Cannot break cycle without intervention • Addictive logic becomes simple: get high and exist

14. may cry uncontrollably or have fits of rage for no apparent reason Paranoia/free-floating anxiety Loses ability to manipulate Others recognize addict’s style and react less; get fed up; withdraw Fear of ending up alone is overwhelming  clingy, desperate

15. May begin to show signs of physical breakdown Abandon self-care May start to consider/attempt suicide Cannot break out of this stage alone Must learn new lifestyle  reach outward, regain self-respect